France coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team experienced anxious moments before pulling away to defeat Senegal 3-1 in its opening Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the victory brought relief after a difficult contest against one of Africa’s strongest sides.
France secured all three points at New York New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday thanks to a second-half brace from captain Kylian Mbappe and a goal from substitute Bradley Barcola. Senegal threatened a late comeback when Ibrahim Mbaye scored in stoppage time, but Mbappe restored France’s two-goal advantage less than a minute later to seal the result.
“It is a relief,” Deschamps told French broadcaster M6 after the match. “We felt a little concern and a little tension. We were also facing a very good team.”
France struggled to impose itself during much of the first half as Senegal created several dangerous chances before the defending European giants gradually took control after the interval.
Deschamps credited tactical adjustments, particularly repositioning Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, for helping France find greater attacking rhythm.
“We played with much more freedom after changing the positions of Ousmane and Michael,” the France coach said.
Barcola’s introduction also proved decisive. The Paris Saint-Germain winger replaced Dembele before scoring just minutes later with a composed chip over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to double France’s lead.
“Bradley Barcola brought a lot of danger,” Deschamps said.
Despite the comfortable final score, Deschamps cautioned against reading too much into the opening victory, noting that France still has two demanding group-stage matches remaining against Iraq and Norway.
“Winning the first match does not decide everything in a group of four teams,” he said. “There is still a long way to go.”
France entered the tournament among the leading contenders for the World Cup title, boasting one of the deepest squads in international football. Deschamps started attacking stars including Mbappe, Dembele, Desire Doue and Michael Olise while leaving attacking talents such as Barcola and Rayan Cherki on the bench.
The depth has created fierce competition for starting places, something Deschamps believes benefits the team as players continue pushing each other for opportunities.
“There are many players who legitimately deserve to start,” he said. “Rayan does as well. We will need everyone during this tournament.”
The France coach also acknowledged the support from traveling fans, many of whom made the long journey to the United States for the World Cup.
“Our supporters came from far away, and it wasn’t inexpensive,” Deschamps said. “Football is magical when you win and can share those emotions together.”
France’s victory places Les Bleus at the top of Group I after the opening round of matches. They will face Iraq in their second group fixture before concluding the first phase against Norway as they seek to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
